Rose-gold pussy willow
Salix gracilistyla · Salicaceae
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The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around rose-gold pussy willow and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Common name
- Black catkin willow
- Family
- Salicaceae
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Flowering
- February to April (grey-black catkins)
- Adult height
- Approximately 3 m
- Growth rate
- Fast
- Hardiness
- Excellent (-15°C and below)
- Origin
- Japan, Manchuria, Siberia
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability high.
Expert tips
The key tip
Salix gracilistyla loves moist to temporarily waterlogged soils; place it at the edge of a water feature or in a low-lying area of the garden. The early flowering (catkins) appreciates soil rich in organic matter.
The common mistake
In ordinary soil that's too dry, the foliage quickly becomes weak and stunted by summer.
The pro's trick
Cut stems bearing catkins in January-February and place them in warm water in a vase.
Care
Light exposure
The black catkin willow thrives in full sun and appreciates at least 6 hours of direct light daily. Partial sun exposure remains acceptable but reduces flowering. Avoid overly shaded areas for optimal fruiting and branching.
Watering
This shrub loves fresh to moist soil; regular watering is necessary, especially in summer and during the growing season. In winter, reduce watering but keep the soil slightly moist. It tolerates temporarily waterlogged soils well, unlike many other shrubs.
Soil
Prefer rich, well-drained yet fresh soils, slightly acidic to neutral. This willow adapts to various soil types but benefits from organic matter (compost) added in spring. Avoid overly dry and compacted soils.
Pruning
Prune after flowering (April-May) to remove dead or poorly positioned branches and maintain a harmonious shape. You can also perform hard pruning every 2-3 years to regenerate branching and encourage beautiful catkins. Avoid winter pruning, which would harm flowering.
Fertiliser
Apply balanced fertiliser in early spring (NPK 10-10-10 type) to boost growth and flowering. On poor soil, supplement with well-decomposed compost. Limit excessive applications, which would favour vegetation at the expense of flowers.
Diseases and pests
The black catkin willow is generally robust but may be affected by willow scab or galls in very humid and stagnant conditions. Ensure good air circulation and avoid excess moisture. Inspect foliage regularly at the start of the season.
Did you know?
The black catkin willow is prized in East Asia, particularly in Japan and China, where its fluffy silver-black catkins symbolise the arrival of spring; when cut as branches, they decorate interiors as long-lasting flowers. These catkins before opening remain remarkably long in a vase, making the willow both ornamental in the garden and a source of indoor decoration.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- AspenPopulus tremula
- Goat willowSalix caprea
- Grey willowSalix cinerea
- White willowSalix alba
- Eared willowSalix aurita
- Creeping willowSalix repens
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.